Blepharoplasty in TurinUpper and lower eyelid surgery
A fresher, more rested look, while keeping the natural shape and character of your eyes.
In short. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin from the upper eyelids and reduces bags and loose skin of the lower eyelids. I usually perform it under local anaesthesia, with light sedation if you prefer, in Turin, Italy. The operation takes from about 45 minutes to two hours, depending on what needs to be done. It is not always the answer: sometimes a filler, a laser or no treatment at all is the better choice.
What blepharoplasty is
The eyelids are often the first area of the face to show the signs of ageing. Heredity, environment and age can make the skin of the upper and lower eyelids loose, crêpey and puffy, and give the eyes a tired look even when you are not tired.
A traditional blepharoplasty may include one or more of these steps: removing excess skin from the upper or lower eyelid; removing or repositioning the fat that forms the bags of the upper and lower eyelids. When the lower eyelid has lost tone or horizontal support, it can be tightened and anchored again (canthopexy), to prevent it from pulling down.
The eyes are perhaps the feature that most identifies a face. My goal is not to change them: after surgery you should not look different, only fresher and more rested.
When it is indicated
excess skin on the upper eyelid, which makes the eye look heavy or, in some cases, weighs on the lashes;
fat bags on the upper or lower eyelids;
loose, wrinkled skin of the lower eyelid;
a lower eyelid that has lost tone and support.
Blepharoplasty is often requested from around 35–40, when the first signs of ageing appear, but younger patients with bags that run in the family may also benefit. Age is not what decides: the eyelids are.
When I do not recommend surgery
First, understanding: before suggesting surgery I want to be sure it is really what you need. I will not suggest it if:
the main problem is a hollow tear trough without excess skin or bags: a filler or fat grafting may be enough;
the problem is only fine lines or skin quality: a CO2 laser or botulinum toxin may work better;
the heaviness comes mainly from a low brow: in that case the brow, not the eyelid, needs to be treated;
you have dry eye or other eye conditions that have not been assessed: you should first see your ophthalmologist;
expectations are not realistic, for example changing the shape of your eyes.
Options for the eyelid area
Eyelid rejuvenation can be done with surgery, with a laser or with aesthetic medicine, alone or combined. The choice depends on your skin, fat, support, shape and on what you want.
Option
What it does
When I use it
Upper blepharoplasty
Removes excess skin, and fat bags if present, through an incision hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid.
Heavy upper eyelid with excess skin.
Lower blepharoplasty
Removes excess skin through an incision just below the lashes, and treats the bags.
Lower eyelid with bags and loose skin.
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty
Removes the lower eyelid fat bags through an incision on the inside of the eyelid, with no visible scar.
Bags without excess skin.
Fat repositioning
Instead of removing the lower eyelid fat, moves it into the tear trough to smooth the lid–cheek junction.
Bags combined with a hollow tear trough.
Canthopexy
Tightens and re-anchors a lax lower eyelid.
When the lower eyelid has lost horizontal support.
Fat grafting
Uses your own fat, taken from another area, to restore lost volume.
Hollows and loss of volume around the eyes.
Non-surgical treatments
Fillers for the tear trough, botulinum toxin for crow's feet, CO2 laser for fine lines and skin texture.
Milder cases, or to complete surgery.
When excess skin or large fat bags are present, surgery is the only real solution. When indications are milder, non-surgical treatments can be a good choice, and surgery remains possible later if needed.
The operation
Blepharoplasty of the upper, lower or all four eyelids is usually performed under local anaesthesia, with light sedation if you prefer. It takes from about 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the techniques planned. The operation takes place in Turin, at Aesthetic Clinic, and you go home the same day. After sedation you must not drive that day: someone can drive you home, or you can take a taxi.
About two weeks before surgery we meet again: we go through the list of things to do and avoid, the medicines to take after surgery and the routine blood tests. If you have eye problems or a tendency to dry eye, you should see your ophthalmologist before the operation.
Recovery
When
What
First days
Swelling and bruising of the eyelids, which fade over the following weeks. Eye drops may be recommended for a few weeks.
After about 7 days (sometimes up to 10)
I remove the stitches.
First two weeks
Light cardio only.
After about two weeks
You can usually resume exercise and activity without restrictions.
These times are approximate and depend on the technique and on how you heal: I confirm them at your check-ups after surgery.
If you live abroad: plan to stay in or near Turin until the check-up and stitch removal, usually about 7 days after surgery; if the stitches need a few more days, we plan it together. See also International patients.
Risks and limits
Blepharoplasty is a surgical operation and has risks, which we discuss together at the consultation. Among them:
swelling, bruising and dry or irritated eyes in the first weeks, usually temporary;
asymmetry or a scar more visible than expected, which in some cases needs a touch-up;
changes in the position of the lower eyelid (for example an eyelid that pulls down), especially if support is not assessed and restored;
haematoma and, very rarely, problems affecting vision, which require prompt treatment.
Blepharoplasty does not change the shape of your eyes, does not correct a low brow and does not remove fine lines on its own. Knowing this beforehand avoids disappointment afterwards.
What patients say
“Excellent experience. Lower blepharoplasty. Painless operation, very natural result. Back to my activities almost immediately. A team able to dispel every anxiety and fear. Highly recommended. Dr Maggi is clear, direct and professional!”
— Stefania
Real patient reviews, translated faithfully from Italian; cuts are marked […]. The original Italian reviews are on the testimonials page and on GuidaEstetica.
How much does blepharoplasty cost?
The cost depends on whether the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids or both are treated, on the technique and on any combined procedures. Because every case is different, I define it after the consultation, in a personalised written quote that also shows the first available date for surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Is blepharoplasty done under general anaesthesia?
Usually not: blepharoplasty is normally performed under local anaesthesia, with light sedation if you prefer.
When are the stitches removed?
Usually about 7 days after surgery, sometimes up to 10. Eye drops may be recommended for a few weeks.
When can I exercise again?
Light cardio is advised for about two weeks; after that, exercise and activity can usually be resumed without restrictions, once confirmed at the check-up.
How long should I stay in Turin after blepharoplasty if I live abroad?
Until the check-up and stitch removal, usually about 7 days after surgery. The exact length of stay is confirmed at the consultation.
